Although Wake Forest is 4-6 over their last 10 games and 3-1 in their past four, their last game and win was 71-67 against #17 NC State. That victory proved that they are capable of pulling an upset. But, over the course of their last 10 games, WF also lost to #3 Tennessee 83-64. Also, #1 Duke beat them 87-65. The Hokies are coming off a humiliating 81-59 loss to #4 Virginia on January 15. Prior to that loss, VT had run off nine wins in a row. Today’s game, which is schedule for 4:00 pm ET, takes place at the Cassel Coliseum in Blacksburg, VA.
Dominant Stats
In our Virginia Tech vs Wake Forest pick, the home team is tops in PPG (77.9-to-73.3) and best in PA (58.8-to-74.4). They are dominant in field goal percentage (49.7%-to-42.3%) too. The Hokies are also much better in moving the ball around, as they’re generating 16.8 APG to the Demon Deacons’ 10.9 APG. When it comes the three, it’s bombs away for the Hokies who are connecting on 41.8% of their shots from beyond the arc. Their opponents are at 32.3%. Plus, this season VT has made 163 threes, while WF has connected on 100. The home team is hitting 4.25 more three-point attempts than today’s opponents.
There is a major edge in this Hokies versus Demon Deacons free pick for VT in stats.
Edge: Virginia Tech
Free Throws and Home Court
In their upset of NC State, WF went to the free throw line 28 times and put in 23, while their opponents visited just nine times, hitting seven. That was at home. Also, in their loss to Duke, another home game, Wake Forest visited the foul line 28 times, while Duke went up just 16 times. The Demon Deacons sunk 17 FTs, while their opponents hit just 8-of-16. In their loss to Tennessee, which was away, WF and the Vols were fairly even in trips to the line, Also, they just about scored equal numbers of frees. Virginia Tech is at home, which should get them some calls today. We don’t think foul shooting will be a major factor today, but we will give the away team a but of an advantage.
Edge: Wake Forest
Key Players
- WF guard Brandon Childress (16.1 PPG, 4.3 APG), a fine out-and-inside player, has the be playmaker
- VT guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (17.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG) can hit from anywhere and must do so
- VT senior guard Justin Robinson must use his experience and playmaking chops to captain the offense and defense
- WF guard Chaundee Brown (11.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG) battles VT guard Ahmed Hill (12.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG) – Hill, much better percentage shooter, should win.
Edge: Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech vs Wake Forest Pick
As noted, in our Virginia Tech vs Wake Forest pick, the Hokies are at -18.0. They are home, they just lost to Virginia, and they are hungry for a big win. We do like the Hokies at home versus the Demon Deacons. We’re betting VT ay -18.0. Also, be sure to read our SEC men’s basketball preview and free pick as Tennessee hosts Alabama.
